GUATEMALA

Geography

Area: 108,889 sq. km. A land of mountains, volcanoes, and lakes. Mexico's southern neighbor.

Population

2000       11,385,295

2010       14,631,050 (est)

2025       19,816,134 (est)

Peoples

Spanish-speaking Latinos 43%. Mixed European and Indian. Amerindian: 54% -- 19 ethnic groups speaking 49 languages (40% as their first language). Largest: Quiche. Afro-Caribbean 2%. Other 1%. Literacy 56%, but in practice nearer 30%. Official language Spanish, but not used by 40% of population as their primary language.

Economy

Agriculture provides 25% of the country's Gross National Product, but two-thirds of its exports -- mainly coffee, sugar and bananas. Just 2% of the population owns 80% of the land, marginalizing and oppressing the largely Maya majority. Nearly 80% of the population live below the poverty line.

Religion

Official separation of Church and state for over 100 years has given great freedom for Evangelicals and increased their influence at the expense of the hitherto dominant Catholic Church. Over 25% of those classified in the census as Catholics are basically Christo-pagan with Mayan gods becoming Catholic "saints".

Demographic information from "Operation World".

Teri Littrell

Ministry Description

Shield of Faith (Escudo de Fe), located in the highlands of Guatemala, is a multi-faceted ministry founded upon Colossians 1:28. "We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ." The emphasis is on evangelism, training and education in various areas. It is Christ-centered and teaches how to walk in God's grace.

Current Projects

-Radio Programs - Bible teaching, preaching, storying, intercessory prayer, health, English, Spanish, kids

-Nurses' Training - Three local women have been trained and graduated, and they are training four more women. They work and manage the ministry's clinic and pharmacy. Some of the women are also trained as dental technicians and they pull and clean teeth.

-Clinic and Pharmacy

-Bible Institute

-Bible Classes

-Translation of the New Testament into the local heart language, K'iche'

-Bible Story Telling Group - They have produced two CDs and a video which are used in evangelism

-School - Presently offering 7-11^th grades

-Computer Classes - Taught by the youth who are studying computers in a nearby city

-English Classes - Offering first through third level

-Kids' Ministry - Sunday School and after school classes

-Running Ministry

-Soccer Ministry

-Greenhouse Project

-Sewing Project

-Music Ministry - Six CDs have been recorded

Future Projects for 2004-2005

-Video production of programs to teach reading and writing in K'iche'

-Reading program for small children

-Production of a music CD in K'iche' featuring three local families